Salvation (An Arranged Marriage ll) - Episode 1

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Anadia.

I wave at the last of the children as they exit the room and I nod at their smiling mothers.

When they are finally gone I walk around shutting windows and closing doors , packing up the last of the ballet slippers and the tutus and the mats.

I stretch my limb, wondering if missing lunch had been the best of decisions I had made.

Ugh, I think my stomach is eating itself.

I walk to my office but freeze when I hear the name on the news report.

".... Well, Mike, it's known that since the dissappearance of his wife he's become more ruthless and driven, it's not a surprise he acquired another company, he needs about 20,000 people for this one, Kane king is not holding back"

My fist clenches as longing goes through my body and I quickly shut down the TV, it's another news about how he's gotten more richer and better.

It just seems to me that he looks more lonelier.

I shake my head to dispel any thoughts of the kings and I close up shop, grabbing my bag walking out of the room.

I try to think about something else as I get into my car, wondering if I should have a long bath or just a shower, wondering if I should eat pizza or something more healthy.

I think about anything at all that can get my mind off Kane f*cking King.

****

Kane.

I enter the house, divesting of my suit as I trek towards the stairs.

I stop when I see Aroos sitting on the stair, Aroofa with her.

"What's wrong?" I ask immediately.

"Brother, we must talk" Aroofa says and I frown, my body tensing, looking her over for any sign of injury or discomfort.

"She's fine, she wants to talk to you" Aroos says and I frown.

"Is there a problem?" I ask, my voice rough.

"Well, no, it's just, my movie is premiering and I was to come with a parental figure" She says and I nod.

"I will do it, send the invitation to my desk" I say, trying to step around her, she stands, blocking my path, I lift my eyes to her.

"You can't go like this" She says.

"Like how?"

"When was the last time you shaved? When was the last time you had an hair cut? Or I don't know smile?"

"Aroofa.."

"Yes, I know you don't have time for these things, you are busy building an empire but well as my brother you have to shave and cut your hair and look good, you can't embarrass me on that day" She says and I nod, wondering when she became so grown.

"I will do all of these, just send the invitation to my desk"

"OK.." She says and I continue up the stairs.

"Kane.."

I turn.

"It's been 3 years since she left us, you should try to pull yourself together now" She says and Aroos shushes her.

I turn to look at her fully.

"Aroofa, there are not a lot of things I won't do for you, I love you girl, like my sister but do not ever bring up any of my personal issues are we clear?"

She nods and I walk upstairs, restraining my anger.

It's been exactly 3 years, 42 days and 34 minutes since Anadia left me and those days have been hell on earth.

I've done everything in my power to find her but she has eluded me.

I strip down to my briefs as I match to my nightstand, grabbing the bottle of whisky there and chugging it.

My eyes going to the wrinkled paper on the table, knowing what is inside, word for word.

She says we might be together again, that was two years ago, how long do I have to wait and atone for my sins?

Do I deserve this much pain?

I drop the bottle on the nightstand before rolling onto my bed, looking at the ceiling, allowing my eyes to fall close.

Sometimes it feels like I can still smell her scent.

I drift off and in my sleep there's a girl with long hair standing away from me and no matter how I try to reach for her she eludes me.

***

Anadia.

Coffee sprays out of my mouth as I look at the article of Aroofa.

She has a premier? A premier? How did I not see this sooner?

I check the date and it's in two days, I need to be there, my sister Is becoming an A-list actress

I can't miss it for the world.

I need gowns, I need shoes, I need... . I freeze as thoughts tumble into my head.

My family, my sister will definitely be there, they will be there and Kane.

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/salvation-an-arranged-marriage-ll

. Kane....

I grab the counter top as I try to think.

It's fine Anadia, it's fine, a movie premiere is a big place, you won't be seen, you can silently support your sister and sneak in photos with her.

I nod to no one as my mind comes to terms with this thought.

Yes, I can do this and maybe if I try hard, really hard I can get a glimpse at him.. Just a little.

My house phone rings and I pick it.

"Hello?"

There's no response from the person, just the rise of fall of breathing.

"Hello?"

Still no response.

"I'm ending the call if you won't say anything" I say, dropping the line, goosebumps break out on my body and I can't help but feel a little scared.

I've been getting prank mails for a while now, noting too serious but someone out there has been sending me gifts, no letters or notes, just gifts and the last one I got where lettered cookies spelling 'Mine'

I didn't think for once that it was from Kane because I know deep down that isn't his mode of operation.

If Kane knew where I was he would already be here and breaking down the front door.

This person is taking his or her prank too far and I can't even report it to the police because a notice will be sent to the Kings and I can't have that.

The phone rings again and I pick up.

"Stop calling me if you won't say anything..."I say. 

"Good morning to you too" The voice drawls and I wince.

"Sorry Jules, I thought you were someone else" I say.

"Still getting those prank calls?"My best friend Juliet asks and I nod before remembering she can't see me.

" Yes"

"Isn't it time you report it?"

"You know I can't"

"Well, that won't stop me from asking you to do the right thing, what's up by the way?"

"I need a gown, the loveliest one you've got"

"What's the occasion?"

"I'm going for a movie premiere, my sisters !" She squeals and I do too.

I met Juliet that fateful day 3 years ago when I really needed a friend after I broke down in the middle of a shopping mall.

We've been friends since after she asked me out for a drink and brought me into her life.

Her and her husband own a clothing shop and she's a great stylist who carter to the rich.

"But, babe, aren't you going to like... See your ex husband there or something?" She knows all about what went down with me and Kane.

"He's not my ex husband, he's my husband" I say.

"Semantics, so....?"

"I'm very good at bending into the crowd, and trust me he won't recognize" I say, fingering my now short hair and nose ring.

"if you say so, come over to the shop and let's get you a make over" She says and I squeal before ending the call.

I grin into my coffee cup, in two short days I will see my family again.

I can't wait.

 

AN

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Read " Twisted Twice, Twisted Mine " by the same author ( Bebe Ernest )